Bigheaded extroverts more likely to make it to the top - but unlikely to stay there for long, say psychologists

Narcissists can go a long way in business but too much of it can backfire once
they get to a position of power, researchers told the journal Personnel
Psychology

David Brent will perform live for the first time in October

By News agencies

11:07AM GMT 16 Jan 2014

Bigheaded extroverts are more likely to make it to the top, but unlikely to stay there for long, according to psychologists.

Bosses are often narcissists - flash, self important and loud, like comedy legends Douglas Reynholm of The IT Crowd or David Brent in The Office.

But just like those characters played by Matt Berry and Ricky Gervais, they are also the leaders least likely to have good relationships with the people who work for them.

Narcissists can go a long way in business but too much of it can backfire once they get to a position of power, researchers told the journal Personnel Psychology.

Psychologist professor Emily Grijalva, of the University of Illinois, said modern day versions have 'an exaggerated sense of their own self-importance, an exaggerated need for others' admiration and a lack of empathy.'